Ratings are through the roof for Margaret Nielsen Stiegele's jewels at Bonhams New York

NEW YORK — Bonhams is honoured to feature a fine selection of jewellery from the estate of Margaret Nielsen Stiegele (1922-2013) in the Fine Jewellery auction at the Madison Avenue galleries on October 17. Ms. Stiegele was the daughter of Arthur C Nielsen, the creator of the television ratings system that became the industry standard. She was a noted jewellery collector whose passion for stylish pieces with beautiful craftsmanship was informed by her extensive world travels.

"Margaret Nielsen Stiegele was a woman with a zest for life. She adored jewellery and assembled a superb collection which she wore proudly," said Virginia Salem, the Director of the Jewellery Department in New York.

Highlights from the collection include an emerald and diamond bracelet by Cartier created circa 1935-1940 (est. $60,000-80,000), a William Goldberg diamond bracelet (est. $40,000-60,0000), and an emerald and diamond brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels designed as a flower (est. $40,000-60,000). There will also be 189 offerings sold on behalf of the estate that will appeal to a wide range of collectors in the Salon Jewellery auction on September 30 at Bonhams San Francisco, and simulcast in Los Angeles.

Equally stunning is the exceptional selection of true gemstones available on October 17. The auction's cover lot is an extraordinary pear-shape natural fancy light pink diamond, weighing 8.06 carats (est. $350,000-550,000). A pair of diamond solitaire earrings featuring two round brilliant-cut diamonds, each weighing 4.01 carats, will also be offered (est. $200,000-300,000), as will a gorgeous 5.85 carat Classic Kashmiri sapphire and diamond ring (est. $100,000-200,000).

Susan Abeles, Bonhams Head of US Jewellery commented, "On the heels of the record setting blue diamond sale at Bonhams London, we are very pleased to present this spectacular pink diamond to the market here in New York. The large and impressive October 17 auction features over 280 beautiful pieces, with remarkable examples from nearly every decade of the 20th century, much of it coming from prominent estates."

From the collection of the wife of one of the founders Standard Fruit, a corporation that was instrumental in establishing the banana trade industry between the United States and Honduras in the early 1900s, is an extraordinary 10.48 carat rectangular-cut diamond solitaire ring (est. $250,000-450,000). From the same sparkling collection of diamond jewellery comes a round brilliant-cut diamond ring weighing 5.00 carats (est. $50,000-80,000).

Bonhams was fortunate to discover a Grogan art deco sapphire and diamond ring, made circa 1925, interspersed with silver rings in a forgotten drawer at one estate. Although the stone was completely opaque, Bonhams specialists knew it was exceptional, identifying it as 9.94 carat unheated Burmese sapphire (est. $50,000-70,000).

A stunning selection of natural pearls will also be on offer, including a beautiful belle époque Tiffany & Co. natural pearl and diamond necklace made circa 1915, coming from an Atlanta estate (est. $20,000-30,000). From the same collection is a very rare Gustave Baugrand gem-set and diamond peacock brooch made circa 1865 (est. $20,000-30,000).

The auction also features nearly two dozen splendid Jean Schlumberger pieces, featuring iconic whimsical and organic designs, much of it created for Tiffany & Co. Highlights include a 12.70 carat sapphire and diamond ring (est. $40,000-60,000), and a red enamel and eighteen karat gold bracelet (est. $15,000-25,000).

Bonhams Fine Jewellery auction will take place on October 17 in New York. The auction will preview at Bonhams October 12-17.

A fully illustrated catalogue is available at www.bonhams.com/auctions/21011

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com